Jenny Van-Strahlen

A personal note from Jenny.......

When I look back over the last 7 years, I feel blessed by the many adoptive families I have come in contact with. Each family's story is unique and beautiful. My family was started when my husband and I adopted a 12 year old girl with special needs from out of state foster care through Wendy's Wonderful Kids. We recently added to our family a new born boy through an open domestic adoption. Each adoption process had it's own challenges and both have had immeasurable highs. I learned quickly that there is a lack of easily assessible resources for families going through the process and there are even less after thethe children are home. I knew there had to be a better way. This quickly became my passion. I have spent the last 7 years researching the adoption sysytem and mental health system for adopted children. During this time I also worked on creating a network of agencies, lawyers, therapist and other resources that I wish I had access to when I first started the process to adopt. I want to share that information with others so that they do not feel alone or lost in the process. Wether you need help with a specific adoption issue or you want someone to walk with you through the entire journey, I would love the opportunity to help bring your child or children home.

At times due to circumstances outside of their control our adopted children can have a difficult time being at home. And this can be exhausting for both the child and the parents. For these times; I offer therapuetic respite care in my home. Providing both the child and family a chance to get some rest and refuel to be able to work together on healing. It is so imprtant for you to know that you are not alone in your journey. We have walked this path and we walk with you on your journey.

With Great Hope,

Jenny

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” – Jeremiah 29:11

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Feel Free to check out MY BLOG about of adopting and of parenting a child from tough beginnings.

Because of her passion for adoption, Jenny Van-Strahlen has spent the last 7 years helping families through the process of adopting thropugh international, domestic infant and foster care children of all ages.

She has previously served as Vice President and then President of SPAFA (Southern Piedmont Adoptive Families of America), is currently the leader of Adoption and Orphan Care at Warehouse 242 Church. Jenny has attended numerous conferences and continuing education courses specializing in issues that adoptive families face. Jenny is also certified in Psychological First Aid from John Hopkins Medical Center﻿

Jenny has considerable experience navigating the foster and adoption system. As a special needs parent she has learned to strongly advocate for her daughters needs through IEP's and in navigating the mental health system.

Jenny provides private therapuetic respite care for children and teens who have experienced early childhood trauma.